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. . . As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord . . . Joshua 25:15b
Pentecost Yr C
Introduction
Introduction
Pentecost! Such a miraculous event. Put yourself with the disciples. Jesus had appeared several times to you and the other disciples since his death on the cross. But he has promised something is coming. Something he has called the "advocate". Something to guide us, to walk with us, to show us the way. To use a too-oft-used phrase, "Thank you, Jesus." So . . . what do you expect?
Something to show us the way? Would that be a calm, quiet teacher?
Something to walk with us? Would that be a strong, assertive companion?
Something to guide us? Would that be a caring, compassionate friend?
The answer to all three is "yes": a teacher, companion, friend all wrapped up in the Holy Spirit, the Advocate.
Suddenly, something begins to happen around the disciples (and you). What are you thinking? And next . . . and next . . . Flames? Wind? Cacophony? We feel the flames upon our shoulders, but we are not consumed. We feel the wind blow through our hair and nearly knock us over, but we do not fall. We hear other folks speaking in their native languages, and we can understand what they are saying! Dear ones, that would be enough to make this event a miracle. But . . .
Oh, there's more. Since the Holy Spirit has come to us, we have received its gifts. 1 Corinthians 12 identifies seven spiritual gifts: wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, distinguishing between spirits, tongues, and interpretation of tongues. There are twelve fruit of the spirit: charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control, chastity. One of the things we used to do in Bible school was try to figure out which of the gifts and which of the fruit we had. It's not a bad exercise for adults either. Some might demur and say, "Oh, I'm not that gifted." And if you mean speaking in tongues, perhaps not. But don't diminish what the Spirit can do. Recall the flames, the wind, the cacophony!
How has the Holy Spirit touched/blessed you? Sometimes the easiest way to see what "gifts" you have is to ask a friend what they think. You might also look back on things you have done and that you felt good about. Do you see it? the gift? or better yet the gifts? You are God's child, you know! Comments welcome.
Acts 2:1-21
Acts 2:1-21
When the day of Pentecost had come, the disciples were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.
www.sermons4kids.com: “The Bible says that "all who are led by the Spirit are children of God." We who are the children of God have the power to do great and mighty things, not in our own strength, but through the power of the Holy Spirit that is within us. ”
Scripture: June 5, 2022—Pentecost—Acts 2:1-21 (image); Genesis 11:1-9 (image); Psalm 104:25-35, 37 (image); Romans 8:14-17 (image); and John 14:8-17, (25-27) (image).
Collect: Almighty God, on this day you opened the way of eternal life to every race and nation by the promised gift of your Holy Spirit: Shed abroad this gift throughout the world by the preaching of the Gospel, that it may reach to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Reflection: What gift of yours, of your family, and of your community has the Holy Spirit especially nurtured in recent times? How might that gift be expressed and used in a new way in the coming year?
(excerpted from Feasting on the Word Worship Companion: Liturgies for Year C, Volume 1 © 2014 Westminster John Knox Press)
A visual/audio journey.
Images enhancing
the scripture Pentecost, Peter Koenig, https://www.pwkoenig.co.uk/Portfolio/pentecost
An icon of the Christian Pentecost, in the Greek Orthodox tradition. This is the Icon of the Descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles. At the bottom is an allegorical figure, called Kosmos, which symbolizes the world.
“Pentecost“, 1310-1318, by Giotto de Bondone.
"This small painting of the Pentecost shows Giotto’s skill at transforming
complex biblical stories into images that were easy to decipher. . . ."
“Outpouring of the Holy Spirit“, by El Greco [interesting inclusion of women]
“Tongues as of Fire” by Jan Richardson
Music founded
in the scripture
“Double Alleluia” by Richard Felciano; warning: there is a high, piercing whistle at the beginning—keep listening [my absolute favorite]
“Spirit of the Living God", gospel
“Breathe on me, breath of God” by Hillsong
Other voices
about the scripture
“Wind, wind—a reflection on the Spirit”, poem by William Loader
“In the spirit of the spirit” by Andrew Prior
"Tongues: Day of Pentecost", from Miriam's Tambourine website
“Listen for the whisper of the wind” by Peter Woods
Movies representing some part of the scripture
“Angels in the outfield” (1994, PG), in which angels (Holy Spirit) assist, Review
“The Music Man” (1962, G), “hearing in tongues”, the mighty wind opens the door for the professor and students to receive gift, Review
Image credit: Photo by Leonard von Bibra on Unsplash
For families: Study guide and activities (former guide), group activity; snacks, kid video
For children: See family guide/activities (another); bulletin games; craft;
For middlers: See family guide/activities (another); bulletin games; craft
Coloring: Acts; Jesus keeps promises
For youth: One of my favorite songs for Pentecost is "Double Alleluia" by Richard Felciano. Felciano cleverly brings together all the imagery about Pentecost—the wind, the babble, the seeming chaos. Every time I hear it, I relish its ability to bring me into a whole experience of Pentecost. What does Pentecost mean to you? I hope above all it means that the Holy Spirit is upon YOU, every day, guiding you. Listen for the Holy Spirit. Comments welcome.
Image credit: Photo by TopSphere Media on Unsplash
Pentecost is a day for mystics and spiritual adventurers. The Day of Pentecost announces God’s mighty and transformative presence in the emerging Christian movement and in our lives. God’s Spirit can move quietly; it can also be bold and awesome. However God’s Spirit comes, it breaks down barriers, welcomes outsiders, reconciles the separated, and energizes our own spirits. God offers inspiration and salvation to all, and always in the way we can understand. The Spirit is global and universal; it is equally intimate and personal. The Spirit motivates us to action: Jesus’ Pentecostal followers head to the streets to share good news. Peter’s speech reflects the reality that God can speak within and through any of us.
Psalm 104 portrays a global Pentecost and invites us to a singing faith. Like Psalm 148, this Psalm celebrates a world of praise. All creatures great and small praise God. God’s Spirit is sent to all creation. All creation matters to God and is precious in God’s eyes. Divine creative wisdom guides and blesses all creation. This same wisdom guides and blesses us!
The few verses from Romans 8 encourage a spirit-filled creativity and courage. God’s Spirit liberates us from fear, and invites to create along with God. God is imaginative and we are to embody divine imagination in our daily lives. Don’t be afraid. Be bold. You are God’s beloved and God is at work in your lives.
This same bold spirit is articulated in Jesus’ words, recorded in John’s Gospel. The Spirit in Jesus, the Divinity that Jesus shares with the Divine Parent, enlivens us as well. God wants us to be creative and active, to be agents of transformation, able to do greater works than Jesus himself. While I am not sure what these “greater works” are, invitation is clear. “Don’t think small. Be bold. Pray for great things.” Ask God prayerfully for your deepest desires (not the word “deepest,” that is, desires that undergird our wants and needs), and open to what God is giving you. Awakened to divine possibility and companionship, we can flourish, achieve our dreams and support the dreams of others. We can be God’s companions in bringing beauty, healing, and justice to the world.
Pentecost is the longest season of the year; . . . this elongated season reminds us that God’s Spirit unfolds on day to day and long term basis. God’s Spirit enlivens and enlightens on Pentecost Sunday, but this illumination is part of God’s ongoing presence in creation and history, congregational life and personal spirituality.
From The Adventurous Lectionary. Copyright © 2008-2021 by Patheos, All rights reserved.
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